Gospel legend Jerry E. McGill, age 72, of Paducah went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 30, 2012, at 6:02 p.m. from Lourdes hospital.

Mr. McGill was a native of Illinois and was an active member of Southland Baptist Temple. He was a member of the Baptist Association and was an Ordained Minister and a veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. McGill was an accomplished pianist, serving in music ministry in four states including Northern and Southern Ill., Kentucky, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

Music was Jerry’s life; he formed, played and sang in several quartets. The one most familiar in Paducah was the Hallmarks. He never missed the opportunity to play and sing for his Lord.

He leaves behind his wife, Joyce Miner McGill; two sons, Scott McGill and wife Diana of Boaz, Ky., and Larry McGill of Paducah; two grandsons, Ian McGill and Zachary McGill, both of Boaz, Ky.; one brother, Larry McGill of Illinois; and two sisters, Jeanene Hornback of Indiana and Erlene Hudson of Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin McGill; and his parents, Herman O. McGill and Edna Dillow McGill.

A Music Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Tuesday 7:00 p.m. September 4, 2012, at Southland Baptist Temple with the Rev. Jimmy Franks and Rev. Nathan Joyce officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the Music Ministry of Southland Baptist Temple, 927 Yarbro Lane, Paducah, Kentucky 42003. Keeling Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.